Folding apparatus for the containment and transport of bottles and method of use

ABSTRACT

A new and useful folding apparatus for the containment and transport of bottles which is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, stronger and more resilient than current shipping containers and is easily disassembled and compactly stored when not in use. The apparatus essentially comprises a flat rectangular sheet that is made of a rigid and lightweight material such as cardboard or foam core, is scored or creased along its length and exhibits multiple flaps cut into the sheet. The creases along the sheet allow folding during assembly and define panels along the sheet which become the sides of the container when assembled. In concert, the creases, panels, and flaps allow the user to fold the sheet into a three-dimensional prismatic container for transporting bottles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is in the technical field of shipping containers. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of shipping containers for generally cylindrical objects. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of shipping containers for bottles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The shipping of bottles, particularly wine bottles is currently conducted using two-piece and double bottle shipping containers currently available on the market. These containers are most often made of cardboard and typically cubical in shape. The interior is often sectioned for the placement of bottles and requires extra-packing materials in addition to the exterior box. Sometimes a grid form made from more cardboard is used inside to minimally segregate and protect the bottles in wells having a square cross-section during transport. In other instances, it is also typical to see interior inserts made from Styrofoam to separate the bottles. The containers in the current art are relatively expensive and do not successfully withstand the predictable rigors of transport and delivery. Current containers are susceptible to crushing, and easily damaged by couriers along the way.

In the applicant's experience there is a deficiency in the existing and prior art wherein there are no sufficiently lightweight, inexpensive, easily stored when not in use, and resilient containers for the purpose of transporting and shipping wine bottles. Further, the cubical shape of currently available containers invite failure and damage to the interior contents because the interior square wells do not snuggly fit around and adequately support the cylindrical bottles inside. This invites excessive shifting, movement and eventually damage to the bottles during transport. Also the cubical shape of the current boxes invites the practice stacking of the heavy boxes atop one another when in storage or transport. This shape causes the vectors of force and gravity to be directed straight into the box below and its interior contents, thereby leading to more damaged goods and failure rates overall.

In the applicant's experience, the current shipping containers are also unwieldy and are not easily collapsed for storage and reuse. Most often the empty shipping boxes in the current art stack requiring the same volume of storage space as when full and do not compactly store easily when not in use. In the applicant's experience, there is a need for a shipping container for the transport of bottles which i) is lightweight, ii) is inexpensive to manufacture, iii) is stronger and more resilient than current shipping containers, iv)is resistant to impact forces during transportation, v) allows for quick packing of bottles, vi) secures the bottle and disallows shifting or movement within, vii) is easily scalable during manufacturing to accommodate bottles of different dimensions, and viii) is easily disassembled and compactly stored. The device of the present invention is believed to accomplish all of the foregoing objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new and useful folding apparatus for the containment and transport of bottles which is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, stronger and more resilient than current shipping containers and is easily disassembled and compactly stored when not in use. This apparatus is believed to be useful in the bottle packaging industry wherein packaging and transport of bottles, including mailing, requires quick packing options that minimize damage and failure when used. An apparatus according to the invention is also believed to be favorable for use in the direct retail market of bottled goods such as wine.

In one of its basic embodiments, the present invention comprises a flat rectangular sheet that is made of a rigid and lightweight material such as cardboard or foam core. The sheet is scored or creased along its length and exhibits multiple flaps cut into the sheet. The creases along the sheet create axes of movement or hinge-like areas where the sheet can be bent or folded for assembly. The creases further define panels along the sheet which become the sides of the container when assembled. The flaps are punched or cut into the sheet and create other structural components of the container when assembled. Most importantly, two flaps act as end caps to the container. These end caps are generally triangular in shape, are located near the ends of the second panel of the apparatus, and exhibit a plurality of tabs along its edges. When these end caps are folded and raised perpendicularly, the tabs on the end caps engage and form structural joints with slots cut into the adjacent panels when assembled. In concert, the creases, panels, and flaps allow the user to fold the sheet into a three-dimensional prismatic container for transporting bottles.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a plurality of tongues that can optionally be folded towards the interior of the container to support bottles of different heights.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises an adhering means along the sheet for the purpose of sealing the container shut when assembled.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises the placement or printing of a decorative element on the inside and/or outside surface of the apparatus. The decorative element can be instructions for use, a pattern, text, image, advertisement or an equivalent.

When the device is in use, the user places the unfolded apparatus in a flat and horizontal orientation on a stable work surface. The user then selects a bottle to be enclosed by and transported in the apparatus when folded. The user begins folding the apparatus by raising the end caps of the second panel upward to an orientation that is generally perpendicular to the sheet. Next, the user folds the first panel of the apparatus upward and towards the second panel. The user then inserts the tabs on the raised end caps into the slots of the first panel, thereby creating an interior compartment for the placement of the bottle. The user then inserts the bottle into the interior compartment created between the first panel, the second panel and the end caps. Next, the user folds the first panel towards the third panel, and inserts the tabs on the raised end caps into the slots of the third panel, thereby completely enclosing and surrounding the bottle within the interior compartment of the device. The user then continues to fold the device panels, almost in a rolling motion, until completely assembled. It is important to note that no glue or adhesive is required to assemble the container.

Optionally the user may fold the tongue flaps to accommodate and secure a shorter bottle. She may also optionally use an adhering means, such as tape, glue or hook and loop tape, to seal the container once completely assembled. Finally, the user may optionally flat stack, pack, store, mail or otherwise transport the containers once assembled. Once the container has arrived to its final recipient, the end user may unpack the container, unfold the apparatus and then store the now flat sheet in a compact fashion.

Thus the present invention provides a new and useful apparatus for the containment and transport of bottles which is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, stronger and more resilient than current shipping containers, and is easily disassembled and compactly stored. Typical situations and settings that would benefit from the availability of such an apparatus would be: large scale manufacturing and bottling plants and distributers, smaller end user retail vendors of bottled goods such as wine, as well as single private individual consumers.

Further features and objectives of the present invention will become apparent form the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a folding apparatus for the containment and transport of bottles shown generally and according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a folding apparatus for the containment and transport of bottles shown generally and according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus folded in first position, wherein the first panel is folded and engaged with second panel, a bottle is inserted into the interior compartment created thereby;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus folded in second position, with the first and second panels folded over the third panel, a bottle is completely surrounded and contained in the interior compartment of the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front of the apparatus as it is folded in third position, no bottle is shown;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the back of the apparatus as it is folded in third position, no bottle is shown; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus in a completely folded and closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As described above, the present invention provides a new and useful apparatus for the containment and transport of bottles which is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, stronger and more resilient than current shipping containers, and is easily disassembled and compactly stored for reuse. Typical situations and settings that would benefit from the availability of such an apparatus would be: large scale manufacturing and bottling plants and distributers, as well as end user retail vendors of bottled goods such as wine. The following description and accompanying drawings disclose at least one version of such a device.

Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 there is shown a folding apparatus for the containment of bottles comprising a sheet 1 made of a substantially rigid material such as corrugated cardboard or foam core. Said sheet having a generally two dimensional and rectangular shape, and an inside surface and an outside surface. The sheet exhibits a plurality of creases 2 presented at regular intervals along and generally perpendicular to the length of the sheet 1. Said creases 2 are generally parallel to each other and used for folding the apparatus when in use. A plurality of panels 3 are formed between adjacent creases 2 along the sheet 1. Said plurality of panels 3 having at least a first panel 4, a second panel 5, and a third panel 6, immediately adjacent and sequentially connected one to the other. The apparatus further comprises at least two end caps 7 cut into the second panel 5 having a generally triangular polygonal shape with a base. Each end cap 7 being completely detached from the sheet along its edges except along its base whereby it is attached to the sheet 1 and creased along its base for the purposes of raising each end cap 7 perpendicularly from the sheet 1. A plurality of tabs 8 present along the edges of each end cap 7 for the purpose of creating a structural joint when the apparatus is folded. A plurality of slots 9 cut into the first panel 4 and second panel 5 to receive the tabs 8 when the apparatus is folded.

In more detail, still referring to the invention in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, the apparatus may optionally comprise at least one tongue 10 cut into the first panel 4 and the third panel 6 having a generally trapezoidal shape with a base. Said tongue being completely detached from the sheet 1 along its edges except along its base whereby it is attached to the sheet 1 and creased along said base for the purposes of optionally raising the tongue when the apparatus is folded.

Further, the apparatus may optionally comprise an adhering means 11 such as tape, glue or hook and loop tape, on the sheet 1 for the purposes of sealing the apparatus in a closed position when folded.

In more detail, still referring to the invention in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, the apparatus may optionally comprise the placement or printing of a decorative element on the inside and/or outside surface of the apparatus, for example instructions, a pattern, text, image, advertisement or equivalent.

In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, the dimensions of the sheet 1 are sufficiently wide and long to accommodate a bottle within the interior compartment of the apparatus when assembled or folded. The dimensions of the sheet 1 can be any size but it is envisioned to be about fifteen inches wide, thirty two inches long and three sixteenths of an inch thick. These dimensions can vary, and the sheet 1 can be manufactured to any size, as indicated by the bottle or cylindrical object desired to be packaged or contained within the apparatus.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, to utilize the invention the user places the unfolded apparatus or sheet 1 on a stable work surface. Next the user selects a bottle 14 desired to be enclosed by and transported in the apparatus when folded. The user raises the end caps 7 of the second panel 5 upward to an orientation that is generally perpendicular to the sheet 1. The user then folds the first panel 4 of the apparatus upwards towards the second panel 5, and then inserts the tabs 8 on the raised end caps 7 into the slots 9 of the first panel 4. This portion of assembly creates an interior compartment for the placement of the bottle 14 and is colloquially described as “first position.” The user inserts the bottle 14 into the interior compartment created between the first panel 4, the second panel 5 and the end caps 7.

The user now completely encloses the bottle 14 in the interior compartment of the apparatus by folding the first panel 4 towards the third panel 6, and inserting the tabs 8 on the raised end caps 7 into the slots 9 of the third panel 6. This orientation of the device is colloquially described as “second position.” The user finishes the assembly of the container by continuing to fold the device until completely assembled.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, prior to placing the bottle 14 into the interior compartment of the apparatus (i.e. with the apparatus in first position), the user may optionally raise the tongues 10 in the first panel 4 and third panel 6 towards the interior compartment for the purpose of stabilizing a shorter bottle 14 within the interior compartment. Further, once the container is fully rolled or assembled, the user may optionally seal the assembled apparatus prior to transport by using an adhering means 11, such as tape, glue, hook and loop tape or an equivalent.

The previously described versions of the present invention have many advantages including and without limitation, the properties of being a shipping container for the transport of bottles which i) is lightweight, ii) is inexpensive to manufacture, iii) is stronger and more resilient than current shipping containers, iv)is resistant to impact forces during transportation, v) allows for quick packing of bottles, vi) secures the bottle and disallows shifting or movement, vii) is easily scalable during manufacturing to accommodate bottles of different dimensions, and viii) is easily disassembled and compactly stored when not in use. The device of the present invention is believed to accomplish all of the foregoing objectives. The invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained therein.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All the features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. As for “means for” elements, the applicant intends to encompass within the language any structure presently existing or developed in the future that performs the same function. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A folding apparatus for the containment and transport of bottles which comprises a) a sheet made of a substantially rigid material such as corrugated cardboard or foam core, said sheet having a generally two dimensional and rectangular shape, and an inside surface and an outside surface; b) a plurality of creases presented at regular intervals along and generally perpendicular to the length of the sheet, said creases being generally parallel to each other and used for folding the apparatus during assembly; c) a plurality of panels formed between adjacent creases along the sheet, said panels having at least a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel, immediately adjacent and sequentially connected one to the other; d) at least two end caps cut into the second panel having a generally triangular polygonal shape with a base, said end caps being completely detached from the sheet along its edges except along its base whereby it is attached to the sheet and creased along said base for the purposes of raising the end caps perpendicularly from the sheet, e) a plurality of tabs along the edges of each end cap for the purpose of creating a structural joint when the apparatus is folded; and f) a plurality of slots cut into the first panel and second panel to receive the tabs when the apparatus is folded.
 2. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising at least one tongue cut into each of the first panel and the second panel having a generally trapezoidal shape with a base, said tongue being completely detached from the sheet along its edges except along its base whereby it is attached to the sheet and creased along said base for the purposes of optionally raising the tongue when the apparatus is folded.
 3. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising an adhering means such as tape, glue, or hook and loop tape, on the sheet for the purposes of sealing the apparatus in a closed position when folded.
 4. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising the placement or printing of a decorative element on the inside surface of the apparatus, said decorative element can be instructions, a pattern, text, image, advertisement or equivalent.
 5. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising the placement or printing of a decorative element on the outside surface of the apparatus, said decorative element can be instructions, a pattern, text, image, advertisement or equivalent.
 6. An apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising more than four panels along the sheet.
 7. A method of use for the apparatus which comprises a) placing the unfolded apparatus flat on a stable work surface; b) selecting a bottle to be enclosed by and transported in the apparatus when completely folded; c) raising the end caps of the second panel upward to an orientation that is generally perpendicular to the sheet; d) folding the first panel of the apparatus upwards and towards the second panel, and inserting the tabs on the raised end caps into the slots of the first panel, thereby creating an interior compartment for the placement of the bottle; e) inserting the bottle into the interior compartment created between the first panel, the second panel and the end caps; f) folding the first panel towards the third panel, and inserting the tabs on the raised end caps into the slots of the third panel, thereby completely enclosing and surrounding the bottle within the interior compartment of the apparatus; and g) continuing to fold the device until completely assembled.
 8. A method of use as in claim 7 further comprising optionally raising the tongues in the first panel and third panel towards the interior compartment for the purpose of stabilizing a shorter bottle within the interior compartment.
 9. A method of use as in claim 7 further comprising sealing the apparatus in an assembled state by using an adhering means, such as tape, glue, hook and loop tape or an equivalent.
 10. A method of use as in claim 7 further comprising mailing or delivering the folded apparatus with enclosed bottle to an intended recipient.
 11. A method of use as in claim 7 further comprising disassembling the apparatus upon receipt, and compactly storing the sheet for reuse. 